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Button: Staying at BAR is Worth the Money

Jenson Button says the price of buying himself out of a Williams contract and remaining at BAR-Honda next season has been well worth it

The Briton is believed to have had to pay more than £10 million to Williams, and while he would not reveal the amount of money involved, Button said he is 'ecstatic' about winning his battle to remain at BAR next year.

"I am ecstatic we have been able to sort out this situation," he said at a team press conference in Brazil. "It has not been nice, but thanks go to Frank (Williams). It is good we could stop it before it went any further and now we can concentrate on the World Championship.

"I am looking forward to working with Rubens (Barrichello) and the team, and hopefully we can make our dreams come true. Obviously when everything was sorted out I was a very happy person, it has worked out the best for all of us.

"I am very excited about the future and I am not going to stop here, knowing I have a few years at BAR-Honda. This has not been cheap for me, but it is going to be worth it in the future."

Button claims that the news, and the subsequent signing of a multi-year contract with BAR, has left him happier than he has been at any other point this season.

"There have been a few low points (this year) and the high points have been the last few days. It is unbelievable how much more relaxed I feel now. It was worst at the start of the year, sitting at home watching the racing, but the last few days have been the best of the year for me."

Speaking about his future relationship with Barrichello, Button added: "I am looking forward to it. He has a lot of experience and studying him drive he seems to be a capable driver. It will be interesting to have a new challenge, we will work together and I am sure we will be fierce rivals on the circuit."

And despite facing criticism earlier in the week from former team boss Eddie Jordan, who claimed that Button had become 'tainted goods' because of the way he went back on his contract with Williams, the British driver is adamant he has done the right thing.

"I think he (Jordan) was surprised at what he was asked and the amount of money he was told," added Button. "I have not just walked away, we have come to an agreement that is good for both of us.

"I have learned F1 is not just about driving, there is much more to it. It is a big business and you have to learn very quickly. It has been difficult, tough and not nice but now I am just looking forward."

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